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Why MERV 13 Filters May Be Straining Your HVAC & What to Do Instead

In the race to improve indoor air quality (IAQ), MERV 13 filters quickly became the default solution. Backed by ASHRAE recommendations...

Ava Montini

Jul 31, 2025

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In the race to improve indoor air quality (IAQ), MERV 13 filters quickly became the default solution. Backed by ASHRAE recommendations and often mandated for LEED, WELL, and government-funded retrofits—particularly in schools and healthcare settings—they offer fine-particle capture down to 0.3 microns.

And the promise is compelling: better protection against smoke, allergens, pathogens, and pollution.


But what happens when a filter built for high capture also comes with high resistance?


That’s the overlooked issue facilities teams across North America have quietly (and not so quietly) been contending with since the industry-wide pivot to pleated MERV 13 filtration. And it’s exposing a critical gap between policy and practicality.


The Unseen Burden

Pressure Drop and System Strain



MERV 13 filters do deliver on filtration performance. But many commercial buildings weren’t designed with the added pressure resistance these filters introduce. Especially older or heritage buildings. This added strain reduces efficiency and risks long-term operational degradation, especially in decentralized HVAC systems like fan coil units, packaged rooftop units, and older RTUs.


Pressure drop, the measure of air resistance across a filter, directly influences fan performance, motor longevity, and energy consumption. As resistance rises, so does the system’s workload. What’s often missed in blanket retrofit strategies is that denser filters may clean more, but they also constrict more.


Common downstream effects include:

  • Fan overwork, leading to overheating or premature failure

  • Uneven airflow, resulting in occupant discomfort

  • Shorter filter lifespan, increasing maintenance load

  • Higher energy bills, due to compensating fans or longer run times


Peer-reviewed research and government data confirm the operational penalties tied to high-resistance filtration.


  • According to the U.S. Department of Energy, when HVAC systems are not recalibrated or upgraded during a filter retrofit, increased static pressure can lead to a 20–30% rise in fan energy consumption, as fans work harder to maintain airflow under greater resistance.

  • A study presented at the ASHRAE IAQ 2013 conference by Zaatari, Siegel, and Novoselac found that rooftop HVAC units experienced airflow reductions of up to 10% when upgrading from MERV 8 to MERV 13 filters, largely due to increased pressure drop across the filter.

  • In its 2024 Filtration and Air Cleaning Position Document, ASHRAE confirms that increasing filter efficiency (e.g., upgrading to MERV 13 or higher) generally results in higher pressure drop, which can reduce airflow or increase energy consumption—especially in systems not originally designed to accommodate high-efficiency filters.


Despite this, many upgrades were executed rapidly, driven by pandemic urgency and available funding, and not necessarily by holistic HVAC engineering.


Rethinking the Role of the Filter


Not all MERV 13 filters are created equal.


It’s a common misconception that achieving high filtration efficiency must come at the cost of system performance. But advancements in filter design have shown that it’s possible to meet rigorous indoor air quality standards without overburdening HVAC systems.


Instead of relying solely on dense mechanical media that increase resistance, some technologies, such as Blade Air's Pro Filter, use innovative methods, such as electrostatic attraction, to capture fine and ultrafine particles more efficiently.


The benefits of low-pressure filtration approaches are clear:

  • Significantly reduced pressure drop, preserving system balance and efficiency

  • More consistent airflow, even in legacy or decentralized HVAC configurations

  • Lower energy consumption, due to decreased fan effort

  • Extended equipment life, with reduced strain on motors and fans

  • Sustainability gains, with designs that prioritize reusability and waste reduction


As building standards continue to evolve, it's worth reexamining whether the filter in use supports both compliance and long-term operational resilience.


Why Low-Pressure Filtration is Gaining Momentum


Facilities professionals today are tasked with a complex balancing act: maintaining high indoor air quality, advancing energy efficiency, extending equipment lifespan, and meeting evolving occupant expectations, all within constrained budgets.


Yet compliance alone isn’t enough. A filter that meets regulatory standards on paper may still introduce performance issues if it exceeds the mechanical limits of an existing HVAC system.


That’s why low-pressure filtration is gaining traction—not as a compromise but as a more strategic path forward.


These next-generation filtration approaches help building operators:

  • Avoid costly system redesigns or equipment upgrades

  • Reduce the frequency of service disruptions and maintenance interventions

  • Advance broader environmental and ESG goals through energy and waste reductions


Most importantly, they restore decision-making power to facilities teams, offering workable options instead of one-size-fits-all mandates.


Rethinking Retrofit Outcomes


If your facility has seen a rise in operational issues following a filtration upgrade, such as higher energy bills, comfort complaints, or premature equipment wear, you’re not imagining it. These are increasingly recognized as widespread challenges linked to high-resistance filters.


But the solution doesn’t necessarily require reengineering your system.

It starts with reexamining the filter itself, and whether it truly supports the way your building functions.


Because in high-performing buildings, air quality solutions should enhance operations, not compromise them.

Charting Tomorrow: 2024 Technology Trends in Commercial Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitoring

  • Writer: Jennifer Crowley
    Jennifer Crowley
  • Feb 6, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Mans hand accessing Indoor Air Quality monitor sensor in his industrial place of business
2024 is poised to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of IAQ monitoring tech for commercial spaces.

In the dynamic landscape of commercial spaces, 2024 is set to usher in transformative advancements in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring technologies. As businesses increasingly prioritize the well-being of their occupants, the integration of smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) will be instrumental in transitioning IAQ systems from simple air quality monitors to integral components of energy management systems. By enabling precise control and monitoring through smart sensors, IoT helps in reducing the overall carbon footprint of buildings, which is essential for the evolution of smart, sustainable cities and homes.  


Smart Sensors Redefining IAQ Monitoring: 

In 2024, the advent of cutting-edge smart sensors is at the forefront of IAQ monitoring. These intelligent devices go beyond traditional monitoring methods, offering real-time data on various air quality parameters. From tracking pollutants to monitoring humidity levels, smart sensors provide a comprehensive view of indoor environments, empowering businesses to proactively address potential issues. 


IoT Integration for Seamless Connectivity: 

The rise of IoT is seamlessly integrating IAQ monitoring into the broader realm of smart building management. Connected sensors and devices communicate in real-time, enabling a holistic approach to indoor air quality control. This interconnectedness not only facilitates efficient data collection but also allows for automated responses to maintain optimal air quality levels. 


Comprehensive Solutions for Commercial Spaces: 

Commercial indoor spaces, ranging from offices to manufacturing facilities, are increasingly adopting comprehensive IAQ monitoring solutions. These solutions offer a multi-faceted approach, encompassing pollutant detection, ventilation control, and personalized insights into efficiency measurements.  

This year marks a notable shift towards proactive strategies, where businesses leverage advanced technologies to create healthier and more productive environments for their occupants, which, in turn, results in an increase in employee productivity a reduction in sick days and an overarching cost savings associated with their workforce. 


Real-Time Analytics Driving Informed Decision-Making: 

The integration of real-time analytics is a game-changer in IAQ monitoring. Businesses can now access immediate insights into air quality trends and anomalies, enabling them to make informed decisions swiftly. This proactive approach not only addresses potential issues promptly but also enhances overall operational efficiency and cost savings. 


User-Friendly Interfaces for Enhanced Accessibility: 

As IAQ monitoring becomes more sophisticated, user-friendly interfaces are key to ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders. Intuitive dashboards and mobile applications provide users with easy access to IAQ data, allowing them to monitor and manage air quality parameters effortlessly. 


Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: 

In line with broader sustainability trends, IAQ monitoring solutions in 2024 emphasize energy efficiency. Smart sensors and IoT technologies contribute to optimizing HVAC systems, ensuring ventilation and air quality controls can continually be optimized to achieve minimal energy. 


2024 is poised to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of IAQ monitoring technologies for commercial spaces. With the integration of smart sensors, IoT connectivity, and a focus on comprehensive solutions, businesses can proactively create healthier and safer indoor environments.  


As we navigate the future, these technological trends not only enhance the well-being of occupants but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainability and efficiency in commercial spaces, while creating visibility to technological ROI. Stay tuned as we witness the transformative impact of IAQ monitoring technologies in shaping the way we perceive and manage indoor air quality. 

 

Explore expert insights, stay up to date with industry events, and gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge developments that are revolutionizing the indoor air quality landscape within Blade Air's comprehensive Insights Hub.

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You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter below for exclusive early access to Blade's Insights content, uncovering tomorrow's air quality advancements before they hit our Hub.

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